“TICKET INFO: Tickets, although free, are limited and must be reserved through Ticket Philadelphia (215) 893-1999, online http://www.ticketphiladelphia.org/, or in person at The Kimmel Center Box Office. The concert stage will be shared by a diverse selection of masterworks to illustrate that classical music has been a part of the musical heritage of every color and race.” “Highlights of the concert include: Metro Chabacano by Mexican composer Javier Alvarez (b.1956).” “Aldemaro Romero (1928-2007) is one of Venezuela’s best known composers.” “Astor Piazzolla’s (1921-1992) fame as a composer is linked to the allure of his tangos – their bold rhythms and unusual instrumental combinations. In 1950, however, Piazzolla explored a different compositional path.”

“William Grant Still’s Danzas de Panama. Still was an African-American classical composer who wrote more than 150 compositions and was the first African-American to conduct a major American symphony orchestra. First performed in 1948, Danzas de Panama is based on Panamanian folk themes and evokes vignettes of indigenous dances performed by candlelight, intricate and percussive sounds of zapatas, or shoe-tapping, and even prayer. Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 in c minor, Op. 67 is one of the most popular and well-known compositions in all of European classical music, and one of the most often played symphonies.”

“BPCO’s musicians reflect the rich cultural diversity of Philadelphia with the core ensemble consisting of 30 multi-ethnic musicians from the best music conservatories across the nation including the Juilliard School, the Curtis Institute of Music, and Manhattan School of Music among others.” “Founder Jeri Lynne Johnson, a graduate of Wellesley College and the University of Chicago, is an accomplished conductor, composer and pianist. From 2001-2004, she was the assistant conductor of The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, where she dedicated herself to bringing inspiring new music to the stage. She has led orchestras around the world including the Colorado Symphony, Bournemouth Symphony (UK), and the Weimar Staatskapelle (Germany).” [Full Post]Jeri Lynne JohnsonAfrican American ConductorBlack Pearl Chamber OrchestraDanzas de PanamaWilliam Grant StillPhiladelphia's Multi-Ethnic Professional Orchestra